Archive for April, 2015

Former US President Jimmy Carter appears optimistic about talks involving Ukraine and Russia’s Vladimir Putin:

April 30, 2015

MOSCOW—Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter says he is pleased with Russia’s commitment to implement the Minsk agreement.

Carter and other former global leaders met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for 2.5 hours Wednesday in Moscow. The group, called the Elders, visited at a time when Russia’s relations with the West are severely strained over Moscow’s seizure of Crimea and the deadly conflict in eastern Ukraine.

In an exclusive interview with VOA after meeting with President Putin, Carter said the Elders were pleased with Russia’s allegiance to the Minsk agreement. “There’s not any doubt in our mind that the Russians genuinely want to see all the aspects of that concluded. I think that’s the only ballgame in town,” said Carter, “really as far as resolving the problems with Ukraine, is to get the Minsk agreement implemented.”

The Minsk II agreement was reached in February by France, Germany, Russia, Ukraine and pro-Russia separatists. It envisions a cease-fire and withdrawal of foreign troops and heavy weapons leading to a lasting, legal and political solution to the conflict in Ukraine. The deal is considered by many to be the last, best hope for peace in eastern Ukraine while more hawkish Western politicians are calling for arming Ukraine’s military to better stand up to Russian forces backing the rebels.

The United States and its European allies have considerable doubts about Moscow’s commitment to the Minsk accord. On Thursday, General Philip Breedlove, the NATO commander, testified before the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee that Russia appears to have used the lull in fighting since the Minsk II agreement was signed in February to “reset and reposition” forces near eastern Ukraine.

Breedlove said many of Russia’s actions are “consistent with preparations for another offensive” into Ukrainian territory.

While declining to weigh in on Western accusations that Russia is supplying troops and weapons to rebels in eastern Ukraine, the former U.S. president reiterated his opposition to any arms flowing into the country. “I would like very much to see a cessation of sending arms to Ukraine, either to Kyiv or to the eastern part,” said Carter. “And, my hope is that President Obama would not do so.”

Carter acknowledged Ukraine still needs Western military support in the form of “non-lethal equipment.” The United States and NATO have not sent weapons to Ukraine, but sent medical supplies and other equipment, such as radios, vehicles and defensive radar systems.

The former U.S. president repeated his position that Russia’s annexation of Crimea was “inevitable” because of its Soviet Russian roots, and was what the people of Crimea wanted and would not be undone any time soon. “I don’t know what initiative came from the people in Crimea and what initiative came from the people in Russia,” said Carter.

Carter originally stated that position a year ago, shortly after the annexation happened, but he also has said Russia should not be allowed any other territorial gains in Ukraine.

Some have considered that Jimmy Carter has tended to be naive in certain international matters–though on Crimea, it may be others who were more naive than he. That being said, Jimmy Carter probably had more personal integrity than other USA presidents during my lifetime.

But this does not really change the situation between Russia and Ukraine.

Basically, Vladimir Putin wants Europe to concede more of Ukraine to him and hopes that he can do this without war.

It should be mentioned that not all of Europe opposes Vladimir Putin. Part of Moldova seems to support him, there is some limited sympathy in parts of Hungary, and there is support in Serbia. But then there are the Baltic states and other parts of Europe who are greatly concerned about Russia.

Russia, it should be mentioned however, is NOT biblically the power that is prophesied to takeover the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies–Europe is (cf. Daniel 11:39). Later, however, Russia prophesied to destroy Europe (e.g. Jeremiah 51:11-32)–but this is AFTER the great tribulation.

Russia seems to believe that more delays will frustrate those in eastern Ukraine as the Kiev government has cut them off from certain support and trade. If Russia’s President Putin believes the time is right, he will try to gain more territory from Ukraine. I do not believe that the Minsk deal changes his view on that.

Russia’s President Putin does not care much for US presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton (see also Hillary Clinton in Prophecy), and if she becomes US President relations between the USA and Russia would likely sour more than they already have.

–BERNIE SANDERS MAKES IT OFFICIAL — ‘I AM RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT’: Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, is running for president in 2016, Sanders said in an interview with ABC’s JONATHAN KARL. “I am running for president,” Sanders said. “I intend to stand up and fight for working families all over the country.” Sanders, who is the longest-serving independent in congressional history, said he will run for president as a Democrat. http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/note-whats-worrying-bernie-sanders/story?id=30697554

April 30, 2105

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of the northeastern state of Vermont said he will seek the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination.

Sanders revealed his plans in interviews with the Associated Press and USA Today. He will hold a press conference Thursday to further outline his plans.

The 73-year-old, self-described socialist is a registered independent, but has been part of the Senate Democratic caucus since he was first elected in 2006.

Along with Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Sanders has become a favorite in the Democratic Party’s emerging left wing for his stands on such issues as alleviating income inequality, strengthening Social Security, imposing tougher regulations on Wall Street and opposition to free trade deals, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership currently being negotiated by President Barack Obama.

Sanders is considered a longshot against former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the only other declared candidate for the 2016 Democratic nomination, but his entry into the race could force Clinton to adopt views similar to those of Sanders.

Hillary Clinton has her first official competitor for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination now that Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has formally declared his bid for the White House.

Sanders, 73, is the oldest declared candidate thus far this cycle…

Here are five things to know about Bernie Sanders:

1. He’s not officially a Democrat: Sanders caucuses with the Democrats in the Senate, and he’s preparing to jump into the 2016 race as a Democrat, but he’s not officially a member of the Democratic Party.

Sanders identifies as a “democratic socialist,”…

2. He’s trying to pull Democrats to the left: Sanders is one of the most liberal members of the U.S. Senate, and he’s staked out numerous positions over the years that are considerably more progressive than those embraced by more mainstream Democrats. …

Mr. Sanders, who embraces his reputation for being gruff, abrupt and honest, promises to be bold. Recalling that he has defeated Democrats and Republicans with far greater financial resources in his long career, Mr. Sanders suggested that his campaign should not be taken lightly.

Sanders is a social liberal, supporting the homosexual agenda for decades as well as the pro-abortion agenda.

None of the announced candidates for the US presidency will fix the moral problems of that nation. And many, such as Bernie Sanders, have already embraced moral positions in direct opposition to the Bible.

The USA needs national repentance, otherwise it is doomed. It is almost impossible to believe that the next USA president would call for meaningful repentance before the USA is hit with more massive problems. The USA needs the return of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God.

Walpurgis Night is somewhat considered to be a Catholic holiday as its name comes from a Catholic saint named Walpurga. It is sometimes also known as the Witches’ Sabbath. It is widely celebrated in parts of Europe on April 30th and May 1st, and is sometimes called the other “Halloween.”

Here is some of what The Catholic Encyclopedia says about Walpurga:

St. Walpurga Born in Devonshire, about 710; died at Heidenheim, 25 Feb., 777. She is the patroness of Eichstadt, Oudenarde, Furnes, Antwerp, Gronigen, Weilburg, and Zutphen, and is invoked as special patroness against hydrophobia, and in storms, and also by sailors…

At Mainz she was welcomed by her uncle, St. Boniface, and by her brother, St. Willibald. After living some time under the rule of St. Lioba at Bischofsheim, she was appointed abbess of Heidenheim, and was thus placed near her favourite brother, St. Winibald, who governed an abbey there. After his death she ruled over the monks’ monastery as well as her own…

The various translations of St. Walburga’s relics have led to a diversity of feasts in her honour. In the Roman Martyrology she is commemorated on 1 May, her name being linked with St. Asaph’s, on which day her chief festival is celebrated in Belgium and Bavaria. (Casanova, Gertrude. “St. Walburga.” The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 15. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1912. 27 Apr. 2013 <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15526b.htm>)

Here are some modern reports about Walpurgis Night:

“Walpurgis Night was when, according to the belief of millions of people, the devil was abroad—when the graves were opened and the dead came forth and walked. When all evil things of earth and air and water held revel.” ~ Bram Stoker, “Dracula’s Guest”

The other Halloween – exactly six months from All Hallow’s Eve – is known as May Eve. April 30 is also known as Walpurgis Night. Beltane, which also corresponds to April 30/May 1, is one of eight solar Sabbats observed by pagans. The holiday incorporates traditions from the Gaelic Bealtaine, such as the bonfire, but it bears more relation to the Germanic May Day festival.

Ancient Celts recognized only two seasons of the year, summer and winter, and their pivotal dates, Beltane and Samhain, were very important for the world, both seen and unseen.

As with Halloween, the veil separating the world of the living and the dead was supposed to wear particularly thin at this time of year. In Medieval Christendom, it was not only Hallowe’en or All Souls’ Day when a spooky atmosphere was cultivated, but on May Eve, among other nights of the year, it also was believed that the world of ghosts and fairies, and witches and shapeshifters, could spill over to our own. http://blog.al.com/strange-alabama/2013/04/the_other_halloween.html

Tonight, April 30th, Germany celebrates Walpurgis Night, or Hexennacht – “witches’ night”. According to German folk tales, this is the night when witches fly to Mount Brocken in the East of Germany to hold a celebration and await the beginning of spring.

So what can you expect in this magical night? Many people dress up as witches and flock to Mount Brocken, located in the Harz region of Germany. Big bonfires are lit, and the “witches” dance around the flames. If you want to skip the dressing up but still want to go dancing, visit one of the many Tanz in den Mai (“dance into May”) events, held all over Germany. http://gogermany.about.com/b/2013/04/30/a-night-out.htm

Walpurgis Night is another pagan ritual celebrating the arrival of spring. According to Wiki, it is widely celebrated across much of central and northern Europe; I can attest to that.

Wiki also claims that Walpurgis Night is named after the English missionary Saint Walpurga (ca. 710–777/9) who was canonized on 1 May (ca. 870). Over the centuries since, Walpurgis Night has become celebrated in conjunction with the night of April 30 to May 1…

Walpurgis Night

Common perception is that WP is the night when witches from across the universe converge on to the Brocken mountain in Germany to hold their annual meeting. It’s thought to be sort of an annual meeting to review past activities and plan for the future, the like of which any society or company has.

Walpurgis Night (Walpurgisnacht) is a traditional spring festival on 30 April or 1 May in large parts of Central and Northern Europe. It is often celebrated with dancing and with bonfires. It is exactly six months from All Hallows’ Eve…

The German term is recorded in 1668 by Johannes Praetorius (writer) (de)[3] as S. Walpurgis Nacht or S. Walpurgis Abend. An earlier mention of Walpurgis and S. Walpurgis Abend is in the 1603 edition of the Calendarium perpetuum of Johann Coler,[4] who also refers to the following day, 1 May, as Jacobi Philippi, feast day of the apostles James the Less and Philip in the Catholic calendar.

The 17th century German tradition of a meeting of sorcerers and witches on May Day is influenced by the descriptions of Witches’ Sabbaths in 15th and 16th century literature.

30 April is pálení čarodějnic (“burning of the witches”) or čarodějnice (“the witches”) in the Czech Republic, the day when winter is ceremonially brought to the end by the burning of rag and straw witches or just broomsticks on bonfires around the country. The festival offers Czechs the chance to eat, drink and be merry around a roaring fire.

In Estonia, Volbriöö is celebrated throughout the night of 30 April and into the early hours of 1 May, where 1 May is a public holiday called “Spring Day” (Kevadpüha). Volbriöö is an important and widespread celebration of the arrival of spring in the country. Influenced by German culture, the night originally stood for the gathering and meeting of witches. Modern people still dress up as witches to wander the streets in a carnival-like mood.

In Finland, Walpurgis day (Vappu) is one of the four biggest holidays along with Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and Midsummer (Juhannus). Walpurgis witnesses the biggest carnival-style festival held in the streets of Finland’s towns and cities. The celebration, which begins on the evening of 30 April and continues to 1 May, typically centres on copious consumption of sima, sparkling wine and other alcoholic beverages…

In Germany, Walpurgisnacht, the night from 30 April to 1 May, is the night when witches are reputed to hold a large celebration on the Brocken and await the arrival of spring.

Walpurgis Night (in German folklore) the night of 30 April (May Day’s eve), when witches meet on the Brocken mountain and hold revels with their gods…”

Brocken is the highest of the Harz Mountains of north central Germany. It is noted for the phenomenon of the Brocken spectre and for witches’ revels which reputedly took place there on Walpurgis night.

The Brocken Spectre is a magnified shadow of an observer, typically surrounded by rainbow-like bands, thrown onto a bank of cloud in high mountain areas when the sun is low. The phenomenon was first reported on the Brocken.

—Oxford Phrase & Fable.

A scene in Goethe’s Faust Part One is called “Walpurgisnacht,” and one in Faust Part Two is called “Classical Walpurgisnacht.” The last chapter of book five in Thomas Mann’s The Magic Mountain is also called “Walpurgisnacht.” In Edward Albee’s 1962 play Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Act Two is entitled “Walpurgisnacht.”

In Sweden, Walpurgis Night (Swedish: Valborgsmässoafton or simply Valborg, Vappu in Finland) has more or less become a de facto half holiday… On the eve of the festival, huge bonfires, which should be lighted by striking two flints together, blaze on all the hills and knolls…(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walpurgis_Night viewed 04/28/2013)

Walpurgis Night (521-30): No other scene in Goethe’s Faust places such difficult demands on the reader for understanding its place and significance in the drama The essential meaning which Goethe wished to convey resides in the “Walpurgis Night” revels themselves, quite apart from any necessary association with Faust and his pact with Mephistopheles. Concerning the legends of the May Day Witches’ Sabbath, Goethe associated Faust with the murky spirit world of Nordic, Germanic legend. “Walpurgis Night” therefore provides a logical extension of the hocus-pocus and murky superstition established in “Witch’s Kitchen.” the sources for “Walpurgis Night” used have been traced by scholars from several books borrowed from the Ducal library in Weimar at the time when work en the scene was in progress. For the most part these consist of obscure and pseudo-scientific compendia of medieval folklore from the seventeenth century

These accounts offer a fantastic picture of medieval witches’ sabbaths, colored by a mixture of popular superstition and moralistic outrage. The annual revels involved a procession of witches which ascended in the darkness to the summit of the Brocken, where orgiastic revels were held in celebration of Satan…Goethe initially planned to follow the accounts of such satanic debauchery—even to the inclusion of Satan himself, who figures nowhere else in Faust!

Goethe’s view of the witches’ Sabbath on the Brocken gradually shifted away from the orgiastic revels at the summit, as these were conceived in response to the popular tradition, toward a kind of festival of May Day night which has much more positive and serious implications for the drama of Faust as a whole. For this view of the rites of May–just as pagan in origin as the cult of Satan and perhaps originally identical with it—Goethe’s chief source for the ”Walpurgis Night’s Dream-“eminently served his purpose the fairy-folk of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream.

WALPURGIS NIGHT

After the cathedral scene, a violent shift of mood and locale takes us to the witches’ rendezvous on the Brocken with Faust and Mephisto as spectators and participants in the tumultuous annual convocation…

Wapurgis Night: St. Walpargis or Walburga, abbess of Heidenheim, in Franconia, was born in England and died in 779; her name appears to be derived from “Wolborg,” a “good fortress” (against evil, by her purity) and she was invoked in aid against witchcraft. Her day, l May, is also an ancient Pagan spring festival, and she is thus associated by antithesis with the witches’ sabbath which was traditionally supposed to take place on the Brocken during the previous night. (http://legacy.owensboro.kctcs.edu/crunyon/CE/03-Goethe/52130.htm viewed 04/28/2013)

Every year, countless characters in extravagant costumes in the Harz and elsewhere on Walpurgis Night…At more than 20 locations in the resin Walpurgis Night is celebrated with the colorful stage shows and loud music, the spokeswoman said the Harz Tourism Association, Eva Christin Ronkainen, in Goslar. In these cauldrons – Brown of Lower Saxony location to Schierke in Saxony-Anhalt – then dance bearded wizards, witches and tempting little devil. http://www.mz-web.de/mitteldeutschland/walpurgis-alte-mythen-und-junge-klischees,20641266,22604280.html

Walpurgis Night really has little to do with Walpurga and is not a Christians holiday. It seems to be a combination of paganism, witchcraft, popular fiction, and a party combined with the name of someone associated with demons.

It seems to have a lot in common with Halloween. It is not a Christian celebration.

Thousands are dead and over one million are hungry in Nepal following its worst earthquake in 80 years:

April 29, 2015

Hands pressed together in supplication, the Nepalese women pleaded for food, shelter and anything else the helicopter might have brought on an in-and-out run Wednesday to this smashed mountain village near the epicentre of last weekend’s mammoth earthquake that killed more than 5,000 people.

Unlike in Nepal’s capital, where most buildings were spared complete collapse, the tiny hamlets clinging to the remote mountainsides of Gorkha District have been ravaged. Entire clusters of homes were reduced to piles of stone and splintered wood. Orange plastic tarps used for shelter now dot the cliff sides and terraced rice paddies carved into the land.

“We are hungry,” cried a woman who gave her name only as Deumaya, gesturing toward her stomach and opening her mouth to emphasize her desperation. Another woman, Ramayana, her eyes hollow and haunted, repeated the plea: “Hungry! We are hungry!”

But food is not the only necessity in short supply out here beyond the reaches of paved roads, electricity poles and other benefits of the modern world. These days, even water is scarce. Communication is a challenge. And modern medical care is a luxury many have never received.

Gumda is one of a handful of villages identified as the worst hit by Saturday’s 7.8-magnitude earthquake, from which it will almost certainly take years to recover. …

With eight million Nepalese affected by the earthquake, including 1.4 million needing immediate food assistance, Pinnock said the relief effort would stretch on for months.

“It doesn’t happen overnight,” he said.

Nepalese police said Wednesday the death toll from the quake had reached 5,045. Another 19 were killed on the slopes of Mount Everest, while 61 died in neighbouring India, and China’s official Xinhua News Agency reported 25 dead in Tibet.

Kathmandu, Nepal (CNN) Half a million tents are urgently needed for the huge number of people forced from their homes by Nepal’s devastating earthquake, a government minister said Wednesday. …

“The lives of so many children have been torn apart, and they are in desperate need of lifesaving support, including clean water, shelter and sanitation,” said Tomoo Hozumi, the agency’s Nepal representative.

“Without a safe water supply, waterborne diseases remain huge risks for children. Many families are struggling simply to protect themselves from the sun and rain, and we only expect needs to grow in the coming days.”

Nepal is a poor country. Hopefully, food and water supplies will reach those who need them soon. Those affected are in my prayers.

Of course, Jesus warned about a time earthquakes and troubles:

7 … And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:7-8)

The sorrows for Nepal are not over and may increase with food shortages and diseases. Jesus warned that there would be earthquakes in various places–do not think that they bad ones will be limited to poor areas and/or poor nations.

When I was considering the earthquake in Nepal a few days ago, the following passages of scripture came to mind:

1 There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:1-5)

Those killed were not worse sinners than others, but died unexpectedly thousands of years ago.

Earthquakes and other disasters should remind us that our lives can be changed quickly and that repentance is needed now. None should wait. Even Christians need to examine themselves and repent where needed (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:28-32).

While your life may seem ‘normal,’ consider that since the earthquake in Nepal last Saturday, what was ‘normal’ for many is now gone. Sudden destruction can happen (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:3). Are you spiritually prepared?

Stephen Hawking says humans won’t last another 1,000 years on Earth

He reveals that he doesn’t believe humans will make it through another millennium on Earth.

Hawking says our long-term survival relies greatly on finding another planet to live on, because Earth is too fragile to support us for much longer. …

Hawking has expressed this belief in the past, and largely attributes the inevitable demise of the planet to the destructive ways of humans. He specifically mentioned war, resource depletion and overpopulation. …

4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:4-8)

And we know that , war and other factors do affect the planet and its human population. But so also do other sins, yet Stephen Hawking did not mention sin. And sin and turning away from God is what really puts humanity at risk.

The Bible reveals that the planet will be in great peril. Notice the words of Jesus:

21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. (Matthew 24:21-22)

The situation will get desperate.

Although humans will get close to destroying the earth completely, Jesus will return:

17 “We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned. 18 The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth.” (Revelation 11:17-18)

So, while Stephen Hawking is wrong that the earth will be completely destroyed, it will get very close.

Furthermore, it could be argued that since Jesus is a Spirit being (John 4:24) that there certainly are other planes of existence other than the physical world that we can all see.

Will the Earth be gone in less than 1000 years as Stephen Hawking somewhat asserted?

No.

The Bible shows that after Jesus returns (and that will not be before 2022 and is likely later than that), that there will be a one thousand year millennial reign on this planet:

4 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4-6)

So, those who believe and understand the Bible realize that Stephen Hawking is wrong about the planet being gone in 1000 years or less.

It is not that there are not problems now, but the hope for humanity is NOT to find other planets, but the return of Jesus and the establishment of the millennialkingdom of God on the Earth.

Some consider that Stephen Hawking is the smartest human on the planet. Whether he could be in some respect can be debated, but since he does not believe the Bible nor in the Creator God, he overlooks the foundation of knowledge.

10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10)

7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)

While Stephen Hawking may be smart in certain areas, his atheism leads him to conclusions that are simply not fully accurate. The Bible warns about many who learn information, but fail to realize the truth:

3 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:1-7)

It is not just Stephen Hawking that fits into the above about “always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”–nearly all who profess to be Christians fall in that specific category, and the vast majority of actual Christians in these end times fail to see the truth about themselves according to Jesus (Revelation 3:14-22).

34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36)

Jesus was talking to Christians above. Not all Christians will be protected. This is also confirmed by Revelation:

14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. 15 So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. 16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 12:14-17)

Notice that although true Christians keep God’s commandments, that just doing that will NOT assure Christians of protection. Jesus only promised to protect the Philadelphian Christians as you can read in Revelation 3:7-13.

Now getting back to the planet, after Jesus returns humans will live God’s way of life on this Earth and it will prosper (see also Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism?). Humans do not need a physical change of planets, but spiritual change–change that will come about keeping God’s laws of love.

While humanity will get close to destroying itself in this age, Divine intervention, which is alien to people such as Dr. Hawking, will intervene and save humanity (see also Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism?).

As far as Stephen Hawking goes, he does have the carnal understanding that humanity is at risk, and he hopes that somehow humanity can be saved. He is partially right, but because he rejects the Bible, his knowledge of the truth is limited.

But the more personal question is, “Can you accept the truth of the Bible or do you prefer to ignore some of its truths?” If so, what will YOU do about it?

April 30th is the Catholic “Feast day” for one who has been designated as “St. Pope Pius V.”

Here is some of what Catholic.org says about him:

Pope from 1566-1572 and one of the foremost leaders of the Catholic Reformation…As pope, Pius saw his main objective as the continuation of the massive program of reform for the Church, in particular the full implementation of the decrees of the Council of Trent. He published the Roman Catechism, the revised Roman Breviary, and the Roman Missal…

In 1571, Pius created the Congregation of the Index to give strength to the Church’s resistance to Protestant and heretical writings, and he used the Inquisition to prevent any Protestant ideas from gaining a foot hold in Italy…His reign was blemished only by the continuing oppression of the Inquisition; the often brutal treatment of the Jews of Rome; and the ill advised decision to excommunicate Queen Elizabeth I http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=5515

The Inquisition and brutal treatment of Jews are more than blemishes, they help demonstrate that Pius V was not a successor of Peter or the other apostles.

Here is something about him and Protestantism:

Priest P. Kramer (21st century): Pope St. Pius V teaches in his Catechism, the Roman Catechism — also known as the Catechism of the Council of Trent — that all of the Protestant religions are false religions, they’re inspired by the devil; and therefore their fruits are evil…The Protestant religions, as such, are inspired by the devil, as Pope St. Pius V teaches in his catechism. (Kramer P. The Imminent Chastisement for Not Fulfilling Our Lady’s Request. An edited transcript of a speech given at the Ambassadors of Jesus and Mary Seminar in Glendale, California, September 24, 2004. THE FATIMA CRUSADER Issue 80, Summer 2005, pp. 32-45 http://www.fatimacrusader.com/cr80/cr80pg32.asp viewed 4/15/08)

While the Continuing Church of God is not Protestant, likely Pius V included our spiritual ancestors in the above as the general Catholic position is that those who profess Christ that are not Eastern Orthodox or Roman Catholic are some type of Protestant. The Church of God preceded the confederation that became the Church of Rome.

Notice that Pope Pius V’s late 16th century Catechism says only the Catholic church is faithful and has salvation, with others (like Protestants) part of the “false Church”:

The third mark of the Church is that she is Catholic…To this Church, “built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets”, belong all the faithful who have existed from Adam to the present day, or who shall exist…She is, also, called universal, because all who desire eternal salvation must cling to and embrace her, like those who entered the ark, to escape perishing in the flood…This, therefore, is to be taught as a most reliable criterion, by which to distinguish the true from a false Church…

The true Church is also to be recognised from her origin, which can be traced back under the law of grace to the Apostles; for her doctrines are neither novel nor of recent origin, but were delivered, of old, by the Apostles, and disseminated throughout the world. Hence, no one can, for a moment, doubt that the impious opinions which heresy invents, opposed, as they are, to the doctrines taught by the Church from the days of the Apostles to the present time, are very different from the faith of the true Church…But as this one Church, because governed by the Holy Ghost, cannot err in faith or morals, it necessarily follows, that all other societies arrogating to themselves the name of Church, because guided by the spirit of darkness, are sunk in the most pernicious errors both doctrinal and moral. (The Catechism of the Council of Trent: published by command of Pope Pius the fifth , pp. 77-78)

Related to that last paragraph above, it needs to be understood that by making those claims, Pope Pius V seems to be saying that the true Church should not have changed the doctrines of the Apostles. And while that is true of the Continuing Church of God, it cannot be said of the Church of Rome.

In the 16th century, the Pope Pius V’s Catechism claimed:

…the Church of God has in her wisdom ordained that the celebration of the Sabbath should be transferred to “the Lord’s day:” as on that day light first shone on the world…(The Catechism of the Council of Trent: published by command of Pope Pius the fifth. Translated by Jeremiah Donovan. F. Lucas, Publisher. Original from Harvard University, Digitized, Apr 26, 2006, p. 267)

Of course, the true and faithful “Church of God” did no such thing, it was the Church of Rome that made this change (nor did any of the original Apostles authorize it in scripture or elsewhere).

Catholics, and others, may find the following three translations of some passages in the New Testament book of Hebrews of interest (note this using one Protestant and two Catholic translations):

4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “And on the seventh day God rested from all his work.”…9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience (NIV).

4 as one text says, referring to the seventh day: And God rested on the seventh day after all the work he had been doing…9 There must still be, therefore, a seventh-day rest reserved for God’s people, 10 since to enter the place of rest is to rest after your work, as God did after his. 11 Let us, then, press forward to enter this place of rest, or some of you might copy this example of refusal to believe and be lost. (NJB)

4 For he said in a certain place of the seventh day thus: And God rested the seventh day from all his works…9 Therefore there is left a sabbatisme for the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, the same also hath rested from his works, as God did from his. 11 Let us hasten therefore to enter into that rest; lest any man fall into the same example of incredulity. (Original Douay-Rheims of 1582)

When Pius V wrote of changing the Sabbath, he and those that followed him apparently wanted to reinterpret the above to not mean what they literally state (note: the more “modern” Douay-Rheims that many use no longer uses the term “sabbatisme” so many modern Catholics are unaware of what that verse really says–also most Protestants are unaware as most Protestant translators have chosen to mistranslate the verse).

Protestants, who claim not to follow Rome, may wish to ask themselves why they tend to observe Sunday as this is a day that Rome claims it adopted and changed the Sabbath to.

Those interested in learning more about early Christianity, who is faithful and who is not, and changes that many have adopted may wish to carefully study the following articles:

The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

The US Supreme Court is to decided whether homosexual marriage is a ‘Constitutional right’:

April 28, 2015

Historic arguments over same-sex marriage got underway before the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday, with justices drilling lawyers on opposing sides on the power of states to prohibit gay unions.

Justice Anthony Kennedy, considered a swing vote, pointed out that for centuries marriage was understood as between a man and a woman. He asked whether the public and scholars need more time to debate changes to marriage.

This definition has been with us for millennia. And it ­­it’s very difficult for the court to say, oh, well, we know better,” Kennedy told Mary Bonauto, a lawyer representing same-sex couples.

(Reuters) – The nine justices of the Supreme Court … set on Tuesday to hear arguments on whether the Constitution provides same-sex couples the right to marry, taking up a contentious social issue in what promises to be the year’s most anticipated ruling.

Hundreds of demonstrators on both sides of the issue gathered outside the white marble courthouse ahead of the scheduled 10 a.m. start of the 2-1/2 hours of oral arguments in the case, known as Obergefell v. Hodges.

Gay marriage advocates held up signs with slogans including “Love for all” and “America is ready for freedom to marry.” A small, vocal group of people against legalizing gay marriage held signs including one calling gay sex sinful and another stating, “Satan rules over all, the children of pride.”

The decision, due by the end of June, will determine whether gay marriage will be legal nationwide. The arguments center on gay marriage bans in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee, four of the 13 states that currently prohibit it.

Do gays and lesbians have as much a constitutional right to marry as opposite sex couples do?

Polls in recent years have shown a sea change among Americans in support of same-sex marriage, but the U.S. political system has resulted in patchwork of laws for gay couples.

With lower federal courts issuing conflicting opinions, the Supreme Court’s decision to hear the arguments signaled an intention to bring clarity to a question that was unthinkable a generation ago.

“I think the writing is on the wall,” said Nan Hunter, a Georgetown University law professor.“I think almost everyone believes that it is just a matter of time before gay couples can marry anywhere in the United States.” …

Currently, same-sex marriage is legal in 36 states and Washington D.C., made so by either voter initiatives, court rulings or legislative action.

Two years ago, the high court by a 5-4 vote overturned a 1996 law that barred the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages for the purposes of federal benefits, like tax and inheritance laws.

That ruling, United States v. Windsor, paved the way for Tuesday’s hearing, which focuses on four separates cases challenging bans on same-sex marriage in Michigan, as well as in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee.

Some legal scholars believe the Supreme Court already has telegraphed its ultimate intention, and will rule in favor of same-sex marriage, though it’s unclear how narrow the ruling will be.

US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was already been speaking out in favor of homosexual marriage being a ‘Constitutional right’ before today, so she is expected to vote that way.

Sadly, fewer North Americans read and believe the Bible nor what it says about homosexuality. Sadly also is the fact that certain theologians have misrepresented what the Bible teaches about homosexuality.

But you do not need to be a theologian nor Supreme Court justice to realize that the Bible does not endorse homosexual marriage. The Bible warns against homosexuality.

The Bible tells of an early event that occurred in the towns of Sodom and Gomorrah between three thousand and four thousand years ago:

24 Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. 25 So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. (Genesis 19:24-25)

And why did it happen?

7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. (Jude 7)

Homosexuality is a form of sexual immorality that involves going after “strange flesh.”

Why mention this in the 21st century?

Because God turned:

6…the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly (2 Peter 2:6)

Thus, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah were to serve as an example to those who would live as they did. Yet despite biblical warnings, many modern leaders are endorsing so-called homosexual “rights” and “same-sex marriage.” The Bible, however, warns about such leaders:

12…Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths. (Isaiah 3:12)

16 For the leaders of this people cause them to err, And those who are led by them are destroyed (Isaiah 9:16).

So, leaders that ignore what the Bible teaches are leading others toward destruction.

Of course, not everyone in Sodom and Gomorrah were homosexuals as those that strictly practice that could not reproduce. Yet, notice that the destruction that hit their cities destroyed all that were there and notice that something like this is to happen again according to Jesus:

26 And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29 but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. (Luke 17:26-29)

Various ones can pretend that increasing “homosexual rights” is acceptable, but the Bible suggests otherwise. A marriage as the above indicates, as do other scriptures (e.g. Matthew 19:4-5), is between a man and woman (for more details see God Created Marriage). Not two of the same sex.

Homosexual acts are clearly prohibited in the Bible:

22 You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination. (Leviticus 18:22)

13 If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. (Leviticus 20:13)

Those who try to claim that the Bible does not clearly condemn homosexuality are intentionally misreading what it actually teaches. The Bible prohibits and condemns homosexual behavior–the Bible calls it an abomination!

Notice also the following:

9 The look on their countenance witnesses against them, And they declare their sin as Sodom; They do not hide it. Woe to their soul! For they have brought evil upon themselves. (Isaiah 3:9)

13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate. (Proverbs 8:13)

18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)

49 Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. 50 And they were haughty and committed abomination before Me; therefore I took them away as I saw fit. (Ezekiel 16:49-50)

So the Bible shows that Sodom was destroyed for many things including its pride and the committing of abominations. Homosexuality is an abomination and a sin.

Yet, in modern times there are “gay pride” parades, etc. God still does not approve of pride or homosexual abominations. Various ones in the USA and elsewhere “declare their sin as Sodom.”

Notice that not just participating in homosexual and lesbian acts are prohibited by the Bible, but that condemnation is also given to those who approve such acts:

26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:26-32)

Most of the justices on the current US Supreme Court have decided to not heed the warning in the Bible on all of this. Apparently they do not know and/or care that the survival of many in the United States and the Anglo-Saxon lands is at risk! There are other sins of immorality, such as pornography and abortion, that are rampant and wrong in these lands as well.

No one should be ignoring the warnings of the Bible. No one should be pushing the homosexual agenda–but the US Supreme Court will assist in this-and this will be to the peril of the USA.

The National Guard was called out in Baltimore and even its governor has had to relocate:

April 28, 2015

National Guard troops have been deployed across the eastern U.S. city of Baltimore, Maryland as authorities attempt to restore order a day after riots broke out following the funeral of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old black man who died from injuries sustained while in police custody earlier this month.

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency and public schools in the city are closed Tuesday. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, who called the rioting “one of the darkest days the city has ever faced,” has declared a weeklong nighttime curfew.

Firefighters continued to battle several blazes across Baltimore well into the pre-dawn hours Tuesday, including a church-run senior center that was still under construction.

What sparked violence

The violence began as hundreds of high school students marched towards a local mall after classes had dismissed for the day, then spread out across several neighborhoods, overwhelming the police department’s ability to respond as the protests turned violent.

Protesters looted and burned dozens of businesses and vehicles, and threw rocks, bricks, bottles and other objects at riot police. Police Commissioner Anthony Betts said 15 officers were injured in the clashes, including six who were hospitalized. At least two dozen people were arrested.

“I understand anger. What we see isn’t anger, it’s the destruction of a community,” Mayor Rawlings-Blake told reporters late Monday, calling the protesters “thugs.”

Gray’s family called for the rioting to stop late Monday night. “And I’m as hurt but I do not want you all to be out here,” said Gloria Darden, Gray’s mother. “I want you all to get justice for my son but don’t do it like this here. Don’t tear up the whole city, man. Just for him? It’s wrong.”

The sister of Freddie Gray also condemned the rioting. “I think the violence is wrong… I don’t like it at all,” Fredericka Gray said late Monday.

The attorney for Gray’s family, Billy Murphy, said the family had hoped to organize a peace march later in the week.

Initial response questioned

State and local authorities pledged to restore order and calm, but quickly found themselves responding to questions about whether their initial responses had been adequate.

Rawlings-Blake was asked why she waited hours to ask the governor to declare a state of emergency, while the governor himself hinted she should have come to him earlier.

“We were all in the command center in the second floor of the State House in constant communication, and we were trying to get in touch with the mayor for quite some time,” Gov. Larry Hogan told a Monday evening news conference. “She finally made that call, and we immediately took action.”

Maj. Gen. Linda Singh, adjutant general of the Maryland National Guard, said up to 5,000 troops would be available for Baltimore’s streets.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan is temporarily moving his office from the state capital, Annapolis, to Baltimore on Tuesday after rioting and fires broke out in the city.

Hogan spokeswoman Erin Montgomery says the governor will visit sites around the city Tuesday morning and plans to work out of state offices in downtown Baltimore with Cabinet members and senior staffers. …

Major news media outlets have failed to report one of the main leaders of the “splinter group” of Baltimore protesters who turned violent is a notorious racist and the former national chairman of the New Black Panther Party.

The New York Times, the Associated Press, the New York Daily News, CBS local and other news media outlets all name Malik Shabazz as a leader of the breakaway, chaotic protests. Yet each of these news outlets only identify Shabazz only as “president of Black Lawyers for Justice.”

The AP reported: “One of the protest’s organizers, Malik Shabazz, the president of Black Lawyers for Justice, said the crowd exceeded their expectations, adding that protesters’ anger is not surprising….

We are seeing increased militarization of the police, seeing more documented evidence of police misconduct because of the prevalence of video equipment, as well as ‘professional’ agitators who try to ‘add fuel to the fire.’ In the case in Baltimore, we have seen suspicious activity that resulted in the death of a man who was treated violently. Yet when there are such issues, we also see various politicians, activists, and others who attempt to fan the flames to further their own agendas.

Anyway, I do not condone the use of excessive force by the government nor violent protests against the government. Multiple wrongs do not make a right and violence begets violence. After Jesus was being mistreated by semi-governmental authorities, one of His followers attempted to use a sword to try to change the situation. Notice what Jesus said:

52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. (Matthew 26:52, KJV)

Vengeance belongs to God:

17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:17-19, NKJV)

What is needed is peace:

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9)

As far as violence goes, the Bible also shows that God is against violence and that destruction will come because of it:

23 ‘Make a chain,
For the land is filled with crimes of blood,
And the city is full of violence.
24 Therefore I will bring the worst of the Gentiles,
And they will possess their houses;
I will cause the pomp of the strong to cease,
And their holy places shall be defiled. (Ezekiel 7:23-24)

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality…30…violent, proud, boasters,…31…unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:28-32)

8…And the violence of the land and the city, And of all who dwell in it. ( Habakkuk 2:8)

In my view, some of the protesters and some in the government turn too quickly to violence.

Today is known as Holocaust Day. Here is some information about the last one:

April 28, 2014

Israel came to a standstill Monday morning as the nation took time to remember the six million Jews who died in the Holocaust during World War II.Sirens sounded for two minutes across the nation, stopping traffic and pedestrians. Many people stepped out of their vehicles and stood in silence. Pedestrians stopped walking and stood still in contemplation.Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day is one of the most solemn days of the Israeli calendar.

Though most sane people never wish to see this type of holocaust again, a worse time is coming (Daniel 7:25; Matthew 24:21; Lamentations).

I would like to add that it was not only Jews that were killed in the Holocaust. Hitler’s plans apparently included the killing of most of the Ukrainians. Notice the following:

The Holocaust in Ukraine took place during the occupation of Ukraine by Nazi Germany. Between 1941 and 1945, approximately 3,000,000 Ukrainian and other non-Jewish victims were killed as part of Nazi extermination policies, along with between 850,000 – 900,000 Jews who lived in the territory of modern Ukraine. More Ukrainians were killed fighting the Wehrmacht than American, British, and French soldiers combined. Original plans of genocide called for the extermination of 65% of the nation’s 23.2 million Ukrainians, with the remainder of inhabitants to be treated as slaves. Over 2,000,000 Ukrainians were deported to Germany for slave labor. In ten years’ time, the plan effectively called for the extermination, expulsion, Germanization or enslavement of most or all Ukrainians.

One of Hitler’s ambitions at the start of the war was to exterminate, expel, or enslave most or all Slavs from their native lands so as to make living space for German settlers…

The most notorious massacre of Jews in Ukraine was at the Babi Yar ravine outside Kiev, where 33,771 Jews were killed in a single operation on September 29–30, 1941. (An amalgamation of 100,000 to 150,000 Ukrainian and other Soviet citizens were also killed in the following weeks). (The Holocaust in Ukraine. Wikipedia, viewed 04/28/14)

Despite the horrors of the Holocaust, Jesus said that a worse time will come:

21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matthew 24:21-22)

19 For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be. 20 And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days. (Mark 13:19-20)

The Great Tribulation will be a time of horror and death.

Death will reign until after Jesus eliminates it (cf. Romans 5:17-20; Revelation 21:4) and the Kingdom of God is set up. That is the worldwide solution. Individually, people can repent and live their lives in preparation for that Kingdom.

Gold is so valuable, it is called a ‘precious metal.’ The USA dollar used to be directly convertible to gold. It no longer is.

Going as far back as 1961, the USA was starting to not have enough gold to back its dollar, the Plain Truth reported:

Germany, Japan have the largest surpluses of GOLD and DOLLARS…Rich Uncle {Sam} has the greatest deficit in governmental history and a GREATER DEBT than all the REST OF THE WORLD COMBINED!…

Vast foreign aid programs drain the U.S. Treasury…American spending to supply services and to support our troops in foreign countries and military installations around the world amounts to…dollars flowing out of the frightened U.S. Treasury. All of these factors, combined with heavy taxes, gigantic public and private debt, and no gold backing for our own currency if foreign investors demanded gold for their dollars, adds up to the staggering revelation that the U.S., richest nation in the world, is bordering on bankruptcy! (Hill DJ. What the US Gold Crisis Means to You. Plain Truth. February 1961, p. 9).

France did finally cash in dollars for gold and this caused a crisis in the USA.

The US answer was to go off the gold standard completely in 1971. About the same time it made a deal with Saudi Arabia to price oil in dollars. So, while this prevented “foreigners” from being able to redeem US dollars for something from the USA treasury, instead it meant that dollars could be used to by oil. As other (mostly smaller) oil producers followed Saudi Arabia’s lead, this has served to support the US dollar for several decades.

The USA is now the most indebted nation that the world has ever seen. Many are concerned.

Those in Russia, China, India, and Europe are looking more towards gold, and less towards the USA dollar to back their economies and their currencies.

Back in 1971, the Plain Truth mentioned gold and that a currency coming out of Europe would replace the USA dollar:

FOR 40 YEARS, (1931 to 1971) the American dollar reigned supreme in world trade and finance. From 1945 to 1958, the dollar was considered better than gold to most developing economies…

On August 15, 1971, President Nixon revealed his new economic plan. One part of the strategy was to cut loose the dollar from gold, in effect letting it “float” in foreign transactions until natural market pressure would decide its best value…

The European Common Currency appears to be the most likely successor to the dollar in this long line of monetary dynasties. Europe is the only continent with sufficient gold backing…

… and What About Gold?

The gold standard is not sacred. It is only about 100 years old in the history of man, a product of evolution as much as any social institution. But in a world of sovereign powers, there must be some standard to finance international trade and domestic currency. Gold has the confidence of more people than any other standard, especially in Europe. (Alexander G. America faces “The Dollar Crisis”. Plain Truth magazine, October 1971, pp. 3-4)

Other articles from the old WCG also predicted that the Europeans would end up with their own European currency and that it would be expected to replace the dollar.

All of this has been happening. As the USA continues to increase its debt, the value of the dollar will ultimately drop even more. The time will come when the USA dollar will be worthless and gold will be even more valuable.

This does not mean that gold will not drop in value (it goes up and down all the time). But unless there is national repentance across the USA, the USA dollar will ultimately be worth less than the cotton it is printed on.

Gold, on the other hand, seems to be prophesied to retain value past that time (cf. Daniel 11:43; Revelation 18)–though it too will end up with issues and one day be worthless (Ezekiel 7: 19).